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Current Research

Research that makes a difference.

Durham is an ancient seat of learning and a leading world University which, since its establishment in 1832, has developed a distinctive reputation for leadership and innovation in education and research.
Research and Business
Scientists examine DNA models in modern Neurological Research Laboratory

Research, scholarship and ideas are at the core of Durham University. We are home to some of the most talented researchers and scholars from around the world, tackling global issues, and making a difference to people's lives. Research directly informs our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and, in partnership with policy-makers, industry, the public sector, and communities around the world, shapes local, national and international agendas.

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First research flight images from innovative balloon-borne telescope

Our astronomers are part of an international team behind the successful first research flight of an innovative balloon-borne telescope that will investigate the mystery of dark matter.

Research news
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Durham awarded £1.25m to accelerate social science impact

We’ve been awarded £1.25 million from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to develop impact from ESRC-funded research.
Research news
Brass band outreach

Open for business: Northern Accelerator co-hosts investment showcase

Northstar Ventures, in partnership with Durham University-led Northern Accelerator, a collaboration between the North East’s universities, hosted a breakfast event in London to showcase the next decade’s £30 billion of investable opportunities in North East England.
Business and Partnerships
Left to right - Dominic Endicott, Director of Northstar Ventures & Sarah Green, Chief Executive NGI

Durham University start-up named as a finalist in prestigious Earthshot Prize 2022

Durham University start-up, Low Carbon Materials, has recently been announced as one of three international finalists in the Fix Our Climate category in the world’s most prestigious environmental prize, The Earthshot Prize 2022.
Global research
Low Carbon Materials CEO Natasha Boulding (1050 x 350px)

Can you help record the UK’s mammal activity?

If you’re interested in conservation and ecology, our MammalWeb project needs your help to chart the activity of the UK’s mammals.
Research news
Otters stare at the camera after being caught on a camera trap

Teesside and Durham Universities embark on £11million project to support hydrogen innovation in the Tees Valley

We are collaborating with Teesside University on a ground-breaking project to accelerate decarbonisation and the use of hydrogen through supporting industrial research and development and capacity building in the Tees Valley.
Global research
Professor Tony Roskilly

Fetuses react to taste and smell in the womb

Our psychologists have shown the first direct evidence that babies react differently to various smells and tastes while in the womb by looking at their facial expressions.
Research news
4-D ultrasound scan of a baby showing a laugh face reaction
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How music festivals could be made safer for women

Research by our Durham Law School has found that the set up and culture of music festivals can create dangerous spaces where sexual violence and harassment can be perpetrated. As we approach the music festival season, we caught up with Dr Hannah Bows to tell us more.

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First research flight images from innovative balloon-borne telescope

Our astronomers are part of an international team behind the successful first research flight of an innovative balloon-borne telescope that will investigate the mystery of dark matter.
A host of stars with the Tarantula Nebula at its centre

Durham expert appointed to UK Covid-19 Inquiry ethics panel

Healthcare law expert, Professor Emma Cave from our Durham Law School, has been appointed to the ethics advisory group of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Professor Emma Cave

Durham University Research

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Thought Leadership

Abortion: under-18s pushed towards in-person appointments but evidence shows remote consultations can be better option

Dr Elizabeth Chloe Romanis from our Law School and Dr Jordan Parsons from Keele University explain that telemedicine has made abortion more accessible and that this should extend to under-18s.

Research news
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The double-edged sword of formal education for indigenous hunter-gatherers

On the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which is on May 21, Professor Rachel Kendal from our Anthropology Department and Dr Sheina Lew-Levy from our Psychology Department explore the cultural diversity of indigenous hunter-gatherer communities. They discuss the communities’ right to safeguard their ancestral knowledge, the importance of that knowledge for UN global sustainable development goals, and the threat that current formal education poses.
Research news
hunter-gatherer children playing

ChatGPT can’t think – consciousness is something entirely different to today’s AI

Dr Philip Goff from our Department of Philosophy explains the difference between artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness.
Global research
digital brain projected from a screen
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